Dubai Chocolate Bar – Bruno Albouze

Dubai Chocolate Bar – Bruno Albouze is a medium Middle Eastern recipe that serves 12. 210 calories per serving. Recipe by Bruno Albouze on YouTube.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 1 hr 5 min

Cost: $63.99 total, $5.33 per serving

Ingredients

  • 200 g Pistachios (unsalted, raw; toasted lightly if desired)
  • 100 g Unsalted Butter (melted, for tossing kadif)
  • 150 g Kadif (Shredded Filo) (also called kataifi; crisp shredded pastry)
  • 200 g White Chocolate (high‑quality, chopped)
  • 1 tsp Almond Extract (secret flavor enhancer)
  • 1 tbsp Flaxseed Oil (adds shine to pistachio spread; optional)
  • 300 g Milk Chocolate (tempered; for shell and final layer)
  • 30 g Cocoa Butter (for spray mixture; creates glossy finish)
  • 30 g Dark Chocolate (for spray) (red‑colored dark chocolate for visual effect)

Instructions

  1. Make Pistachio Paste

    Place pistachios in the food processor and pulse until they form a coarse crumb, then continue processing until a smooth, soft paste forms. If the mixture becomes too warm, pause and chill in the refrigerator or freezer for 10 minutes, then resume processing.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Roast Kadif

    Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Toss the shredded kadif with melted butter on a baking sheet, spreading it evenly. Roast for 15 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and crisp. Remove and let cool completely.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: 180°C

  3. Combine Pistachio Spread

    In a clean bowl, mix the pistachio paste with flaxseed oil, chopped white chocolate, and almond extract until smooth. Fold in the cooled roasted kadif until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Prepare Mold with Cocoa Butter Spray

    In a small container, melt the cocoa butter together with the red‑colored dark chocolate. Using the spray system, lightly coat the interior of each cavity of the silicone mold. This creates a thin glossy film that will give the final bar a vibrant finish.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Temper Milk Chocolate and Form Shell

    Temper the milk chocolate using a thermometer (heat to 45°C, cool to 27°C, re‑heat to 31°C). Pour a thin layer of tempered milk chocolate into each mold cavity, tapping the mold gently on the countertop to release air bubbles. Let stand for 3 minutes, then invert the mold and drain excess chocolate. Scrape the top to smooth the surface and let the shell set until firm to the touch.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 31°C

  6. Fill Shells with Pistachio Interior

    Spoon a generous amount of the pistachio‑kadif spread into each chocolate shell, pressing lightly to level the surface.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Add Final Milk Chocolate Layer

    Re‑temper a fresh batch of milk chocolate if needed. Pour a thin top layer over the filled shells, ensuring the interior is completely covered. Scrape excess and place the mold in the refrigerator for 5 minutes to set.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 31°C

  8. Unmold and Serve

    When the chocolate is firm to the touch, gently pop the bars out of the silicone mold. Store in an airtight container.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
210
Protein
3 g
Carbohydrates
18 g
Fat
14 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Milk, Tree nuts, Gluten (kadif contains wheat)

Last updated: April 21, 2026

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Dubai Chocolate Bar – Bruno Albouze

Recipe by Bruno Albouze

A luxurious Dubai‑style milk chocolate bar filled with a crunchy pistachio‑kadif interior and coated in a glossy tempered milk chocolate shell. Inspired by the original Marbella bar invented in 2021, this recipe walks you through making pistachio paste, roasting shredded kadif, and using a chocolate spray technique for a professional finish.

MediumMiddle EasternServes 12

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
40m
Prep
20m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 10m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$63.99
Total cost
$5.33
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Achieving a smooth pistachio paste without overheating.
  • Properly tempering milk chocolate to obtain a glossy, snap‑ready shell.
  • Applying the cocoa butter spray evenly to avoid uneven coloration.
  • Ensuring the chocolate shell thickness is balanced – not too thin nor too thick.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot chocolate and oven trays with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • If using a pressurized spray system, follow manufacturer instructions and never point at face.
  • Do not leave the chocolate tempering process unattended; overheating can cause seizing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Milk Chocolate Marbella Bars in Dubai cuisine?

A

The Marbella bar was created in 2021 by Sara Amuda, a British‑Egyptian living in Dubai, and quickly became a global sensation. It blends traditional Middle Eastern ingredients like pistachios and kadif with modern chocolate‑making techniques, reflecting Dubai’s cosmopolitan culinary scene.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of pistachio‑kadif chocolate bars in Middle Eastern cuisine?

A

While the original Marbella bar uses milk chocolate, some regional twists replace it with dark chocolate or add rose water. In Lebanon and Syria, similar sweets may incorporate sesame‑crusted layers or use honey‑glazed pistachio fillings.

cultural
Q

How is a Milk Chocolate Marbella Bar traditionally served in Dubai?

A

They are typically presented on a decorative platter, often accompanied by Arabic coffee or tea. The bars are sliced into bite‑size pieces and enjoyed as an elegant after‑dinner treat during gatherings and celebrations.

cultural
Q

During which occasions are Milk Chocolate Marbella Bars commonly enjoyed in Emirati culture?

A

These bars are popular at festive occasions such as Eid, weddings, and corporate gifting events in the UAE, where luxurious desserts are prized.

cultural
Q

What makes Milk Chocolate Marbella Bars special compared to other chocolate confections in Middle Eastern cuisine?

A

The combination of a crisp kadif interior, rich pistachio paste, and a glossy tempered milk chocolate shell creates a unique texture contrast that is rare in traditional sweets, which usually rely on softer nut pastes or syrup‑soaked pastries.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Milk Chocolate Marbella Bars at home?

A

Common errors include overheating the pistachio paste, under‑tempering the milk chocolate (resulting in a dull finish), and pouring a shell that is too thin, which can break during handling. Follow the critical steps for temperature control and shell thickness.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a cocoa butter spray before tempering the milk chocolate?

A

The spray creates a thin glossy film that enhances the bar’s visual appeal and helps the final chocolate layer adhere evenly, giving the finished product a professional, mirror‑like finish.

technical
Q

Can I make the pistachio interior ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the pistachio‑kadif spread up to step 3 and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Bring it to room temperature before filling the shells to ensure easy spreading.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Milk Chocolate Marbella Bar is done?

A

The outer shell should be firm, glossy, and have a clean snap when broken. The interior should be crunchy from the kadif and creamy from the pistachio paste, with visible flecks of pistachio throughout.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Bruno Albouze specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Bruno Albouze focuses on modern pastry techniques, chocolate work, and creative dessert recipes, often blending classic European methods with international flavors.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Bruno Albouze's approach to chocolate desserts differ from other dessert channels?

A

Bruno Albouze emphasizes precision techniques such as tempering, using spray systems, and detailed plating, offering a more technical, chef‑level perspective compared to many home‑cooking channels that rely on simpler, no‑cook methods.

channel

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